The United War Work Campaign

World War I was one of America’s largest early propaganda campaigns done. They would release countless ads across multiple points. One such example is the poster “This church is behind the United War Work Campaign for the boys over there.” This was released between 1914 and 1918 by the United War Work Campaign (umedia). The audience intended is churchgoers to bolster support from the Christians in the United States.

This was a simple poster, lacking any images and relying on solely its text. This poster does have some connections with other propaganda forms from the war. One such example is the reference to the song “Over There.” This song was a battle cry for Americans to join the armed forces and fight the Germans. It was written by George M. Cohan in 1917 (history1900s). This song is one of the most memorable ones from the early 20th century and could be transferred across other mediums such as print.

This poster is trying to appeal to Americans by using an already popular form of propaganda to strengthen theirs. This was a total war and the government would need as much support for this conflict as possible.

One of the best ways to motivate the people in the early 20th century is through faith. Religion was still a paramount ideal in the United States at this time and many people would have been influenced by what their churches would have wanted them to do. While there was a separation of church and state, the churches made sure to show their support for the wartime effort. On top of that, being part of the United War Work campaign would be more inclusive to local communities.

The campaign took place during the end of the war. Once victory was nearly assured President Wilson began working on a plan to help out the soldiers returning from the Western Front (Colliers). The campaign specifically took place in one week in November 1918 and had many national organizations participate. The main ones were “the YMCA, YWCA, American Library Association, War Camp Community Service, National Catholic War Council (Knights of Columbus), Jewish Welfare Board, and Salvation Army.” (Colliers). They managed to raise 203 million dollars in the week surpassing their goal of 170 million. (Colliers). This fundraiser would be needed in order to help the soldiers with money and work problems after the war ended and they rejoined the workforce. The use of the campaign being in one week was meant to add a sense of urgency into the campaign. With a time constraint it would seem as though the war effort was very desperate for money, and all of the advertising needed would be put all into the first week. If the campaign were to last longer it would be forgotten in the eyes of the public that would be less profitable for the campaign. They would need to keep advertising the campaign taking money away from their revenue. The one week plan was the best way for the most money to get to the war in a large enough quantity. This campaign helped to contribute to the American war effort in the closing days of World War I.

A copy of this poster is available in the Collection of World War I Era and Related Posters, circa 1917-1919. SCRB Collection 17. Special Collections and Rare Books, Folke Bernadotte Memorial Library, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minnesota.